Nubia Z70 Ultra Review: Does It Really Stand Out?

Nubia Z70 Ultra Review: A Bold Flagship That Refuses to Blend In

If you are tired of seeing the same minimalist slabs dominate the flagship smartphone market, the ZTE Nubia Z70 Ultra might be exactly the kind of device you have been waiting for. Nubia has built a reputation for experimental hardware, and with the Z70 Ultra it doubles down on eye-catching design while still delivering top-tier specifications. This review breaks down whether the phone's striking looks are backed by substance, or whether the novelty fades once you start using it every day.

The Z70 Ultra is positioned as a true flagship. It runs on the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset built on a 3 nm process, offers a variable aperture main camera, an under-display front camera for an uninterrupted screen, and carries both IP68 and IP69 protection ratings. Add a 6150 mAh battery with 80W fast charging, and the spec sheet reads like a checklist of everything enthusiasts ask for. The question is how well these pieces come together in real-world use.

Key Features at a Glance

Nubia packs several standout technologies into the Z70 Ultra. The Snapdragon 8 Elite processor delivers flagship-grade CPU and GPU performance. The primary camera uses a variable aperture system that lets you adjust the opening from f/1.6 to f/4.0 across nine stops, giving photographers real control over depth of field and light intake. The under-display camera keeps the front of the phone completely free of notches or punch holes, while the IP68 and IP69 ratings mean the device can handle dust, submersion, and even high-pressure water jets. The Starry Night color variant in particular turns the back panel into a piece of art, with different areas of the rear carrying different refractive indices for a layered, immersive look.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Very unique aesthetic design; no punch-hole front camera, giving a maximum viewing area; large 6150 mAh battery; 80W fast charging that fully charges the phone in about 38 minutes; IP68 and IP69 protection; variable aperture main camera; 144 Hz display for smooth gaming.

Cons: The under-display camera is still not on par with conventional pinhole cameras, though it gets the job done; the ultrawide camera on this generation is not stabilized, unlike the previous model; and the box now includes two cases instead of the two chargers provided before.

Design and Build Quality

Design is the area where the Z70 Ultra most clearly separates itself from the crowd. The Starry Night variant is genuinely striking, with a back that shifts and shimmers as light hits it from different angles. The frosted matte finish resists fingerprints, and the sides share the same treatment, so the phone stays clean during daily handling. Despite the large battery, the device is 18 grams lighter than its predecessor, the Z60 Ultra, which makes a noticeable difference in hand.

Nubia has also added a two-stage shutter key, a welcome addition for anyone who shoots photos with their phone. The first press focuses, the second captures, mimicking the feel of a DSLR shutter and making composition more deliberate. A sliding key remains from the previous generation but has moved to the top left, functioning much like Apple's mute toggle for quick profile switching. Together these hardware touches make the phone feel purpose-built for creators and tinkerers rather than just another spec sheet flagship.

Display Experience

The display is another headline feature. Nubia uses a BOE AMOLED panel with a 95.3% screen-to-body ratio, 1.5K resolution, and 431 PPI density. The under-display camera technology, first pioneered by ZTE with the Axon 20, has improved dramatically and is now nearly seamless, delivering an uninterrupted viewing area that makes media consumption genuinely immersive. An optical fingerprint sensor sits under the screen and remains fast and reliable.

Nubia claims a peak brightness of 2000 nits, though real-world testing puts the maximum closer to 1300 nits. That is still perfectly adequate for daily use, including outdoor visibility in most conditions. The 144 Hz refresh rate is a boon for gamers, allowing supported titles to run at higher frame rates when paired with the powerful chipset. Overall, the panel is vibrant, smooth, and well suited to both content consumption and gaming.

Camera System

The camera experience is mixed but leans positive. The 50 MP main sensor with variable aperture from f/1.6 to f/4.0 and nine stops is the star of the show, giving enthusiasts granular control over exposure and bokeh. The 64 MP periscope telephoto lens with OIS is an upgrade over the previous generation and supports macro telephoto shots with decent stabilization. The 50 MP ultrawide at 13 mm and 122 degrees is capable but lacks OIS, which the Z60 Ultra offered, making it a slight downgrade in stabilization terms.

The under-display front camera is a huge improvement over the Z60 Ultra and produces much better selfies and video calls, but it still cannot match the clarity of conventional punch-hole cameras in this price range. For users who prioritize front-camera quality for content creation, this remains a trade-off. For those who value an uninterrupted screen over selfie perfection, the compromise is acceptable.

Performance and Gaming

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, the Z70 Ultra handles everything thrown at it with ease. Apps launch instantly, multitasking is fluid, and demanding games run at high settings with stable frame rates. The 144 Hz display complements the chipset, letting compatible games showcase smoother motion. Thermal management keeps performance consistent during extended gaming sessions, and the device does not throttle aggressively under sustained load.

Battery Life and Charging

The 6150 mAh battery is larger than most flagships and translates into excellent endurance. Heavy users can expect a full day with charge to spare, while moderate users may stretch to a day and a half. The 80W fast charging is a standout, taking the phone from empty to full in roughly 38 minutes, which is genuinely convenient for top-ups during short breaks.

Software and Verdict

Nubia's software skin is feature-rich but can feel busy compared to cleaner Android experiences. The customization options are extensive, and power users will appreciate the control, though some may prefer to spend time tidying the interface. Overall, the Z70 Ultra is not trying to be the safest flagship choice. It is a statement device for people who want distinctive design, strong battery life, and genuine camera control, and who are willing to accept a slightly weaker under-display selfie camera and a non-stabilized ultrawide. If that trade-off appeals to you, the Z70 Ultra genuinely stands out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Nubia Z70 Ultra have water resistance?

Yes. It carries both IP68 and IP69 ratings, meaning it is protected against dust, water immersion, and high-pressure water jets.

Is the under-display camera good enough for selfies?

It is a clear improvement over the previous generation and fine for casual selfies and video calls, but it still lags behind conventional punch-hole cameras in sharpness and low-light quality.

How fast does the Z70 Ultra charge?

With 80W fast charging, the phone reaches a full charge in approximately 38 minutes.

Is the Nubia Z70 Ultra good for gaming?

Yes. The Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and 144 Hz display make it a strong gaming device capable of running demanding titles at high settings.

What makes the Starry Night variant special?

The Starry Night back features different refractive indices across areas of the panel, creating a layered, immersive shimmer effect that is unlike most smartphones on the market.